Rep. Richard Bennett

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates approximately $256 million from state funds to cover the operating expenses of Mississippi's Department of Rehabilitation Services for the 2025 fiscal year. The legislation authorizes the department to hire a total of 1,076 employees, including both permanent and time-limited positions, while establishing strict rules to ensure new hires are used to fill vacancies rather than increase salaries for current staff. Additionally, the act sets specific performance targets for the department, such as the number of individuals served and the rate of employment placement, and includes provisions to prioritize purchasing goods from Mississippi Industries for the Blind.

Maddy summaryHB 1797 appropriates approximately $1.8 billion to the Mississippi Department of Human Services for fiscal year 2025, covering both general and special funds. The bill authorizes the hiring of over 1,700 permanent and time-limited employees while establishing strict rules to prevent salary increases for current staff unless new funding is approved. It also mandates that the department prioritize purchases from the Mississippi Industries for the Blind, prohibits using general funds to replace withdrawn federal money, and sets specific performance targets for investigative audits and services for aging adults. Additionally, the legislation requires detailed financial record-keeping, transfers $1 million to the Department of Health for child care licensure, and bans utility allowances for employees living in state-provided housing.

Maddy summaryHB 1799 provides $22,068,556 in funding for the Mississippi Department of Insurance for the fiscal year 2025, covering expenses from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. The bill authorizes the department to maintain 131 permanent staff positions while establishing strict rules to prevent using these funds for salary increases or promotions for existing employees. Additionally, the legislation sets specific performance targets for licensing insurance agents, conducting fire inspections, and handling customer inquiries, requiring the department to report on its progress toward these goals. The act also includes provisions for purchasing equipment with a preference for the Mississippi Industries for the Blind and mandates that public announcements about grants must acknowledge state funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1798 appropriates approximately $9.1 million from state funds to cover the operating expenses of the Mississippi State Fire Academy for fiscal year 2025. The bill authorizes the hiring of 62 permanent staff members and sets strict guidelines to ensure these funds are used only for new hires rather than salary increases or promotions for existing employees. Additionally, the legislation allocates specific amounts for capital improvements, including replacing heat building components and an auditorium roof, as well as providing a state match for the purchase of a specialty rescue truck. The bill also establishes performance targets, such as training 12,000 students, and grants a purchasing preference to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal.